Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory study
BackgroundInsufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide. Regular exercise can improve physical performance and quality of life, reduce the risks of falls and depressive symptoms, and reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline in older adults. Virtual reality (...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-05-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1584406/full |
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| author | Vincenzo De Luca Malak Qbilat Alessandra Cuomo Antonio Bianco Francesca Cesaroni Chiara Lanari Ad van Berlo Telma Mota Lucia Pannese Michael Brandstötter Matthieu Arendse Vania Mota Willeke van Staalduinen Hugo Paredes Guido Iaccarino Guido Iaccarino Maddalena Illario |
| author_facet | Vincenzo De Luca Malak Qbilat Alessandra Cuomo Antonio Bianco Francesca Cesaroni Chiara Lanari Ad van Berlo Telma Mota Lucia Pannese Michael Brandstötter Matthieu Arendse Vania Mota Willeke van Staalduinen Hugo Paredes Guido Iaccarino Guido Iaccarino Maddalena Illario |
| author_sort | Vincenzo De Luca |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | BackgroundInsufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide. Regular exercise can improve physical performance and quality of life, reduce the risks of falls and depressive symptoms, and reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline in older adults. Virtual reality (VR) and serious games (SG) are promising tools to improve physical and cognitive functioning. As part of the VR2Care project activities, four pilot sites explored the capabilities of the VR environment in a remote psychomotor training with SG and a hybrid approach with local groups of older adults performing physical activity.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore and measure the impact on older adults’ quality of life and physical activity of using VR2Care solution and the level of usability, satisfaction and acceptance.MethodsThe study is a mixed method study, using qualitative and quantitative surveys to evaluate quality of life and physical activity of older users, and usability, satisfaction and acceptance of the solution. The data collection is a mix of investigator site data entry and users’ self-reported data through the solutions or through online and paper-based means. Data were collected at baseline and after a follow-up of 6 weeks. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) unless otherwise stated. Within the group, baseline to end of observation differences were assessed by paired sample t-test. A p = 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsNo significant improvements in quality of life and physical activity were found. Little improvement, although not significant, in physical activity was found, comparing the Total MET average value of users who participated in phase I and II, therefore using SmartAL and Rehability. Little improvement, although not significant, in physical activity applies in ≥76 population. Users’ feedback on usability, satisfaction and acceptance of VR2Care is generally positive. VR2Care was appreciated mostly for its usefulness in managing physical activity and the capacity to influence the consistency of attending physical activity sessions as prescribed by doctors.ConclusionOur results suggest that randomized controlled trial will be needed to assess correlations between specific features of the solution and health outcomes. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e8ac459c24eb4ef7894bf81b97661fdf |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2296-2565 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-05-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
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| series | Frontiers in Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-e8ac459c24eb4ef7894bf81b97661fdf2025-08-20T02:57:28ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Public Health2296-25652025-05-011310.3389/fpubh.2025.15844061584406Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory studyVincenzo De Luca0Malak Qbilat1Alessandra Cuomo2Antonio Bianco3Francesca Cesaroni4Chiara Lanari5Ad van Berlo6Telma Mota7Lucia Pannese8Michael Brandstötter9Matthieu Arendse10Vania Mota11Willeke van Staalduinen12Hugo Paredes13Guido Iaccarino14Guido Iaccarino15Maddalena Illario16Department of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, ItalyInstitute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), Porto, PortugalDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, ItalyDepartment of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, ItalyCooperativa Sociale COOSS MARCHE ONLUS scpa, Ancona, ItalyCooperativa Sociale COOSS MARCHE ONLUS scpa, Ancona, ItalySmart Homes, Eindhoven, NetherlandsAltice Labs, Aveiro, Portugalimaginary Srl, Milan, Italycogvis software und consulting GmbH, Wien, AustriaTante Louise, Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands0Venerável Ordem Terceira de São Francisco do Porto, Porto, Portugal1Academy on Age-Friendly Environments in Europe (Afedemy), Gouda, NetherlandsInstitute for Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science (INESC TEC), Porto, PortugalDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, Italy2Interdepartmental Research Center for Hypertension and related Conditions, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, ItalyDepartment of Public Health, Federico II University of Naples, Naples, ItalyBackgroundInsufficient physical activity is one of the leading risk factors for death worldwide. Regular exercise can improve physical performance and quality of life, reduce the risks of falls and depressive symptoms, and reduce the likelihood of cognitive decline in older adults. Virtual reality (VR) and serious games (SG) are promising tools to improve physical and cognitive functioning. As part of the VR2Care project activities, four pilot sites explored the capabilities of the VR environment in a remote psychomotor training with SG and a hybrid approach with local groups of older adults performing physical activity.ObjectiveThe present study aimed to explore and measure the impact on older adults’ quality of life and physical activity of using VR2Care solution and the level of usability, satisfaction and acceptance.MethodsThe study is a mixed method study, using qualitative and quantitative surveys to evaluate quality of life and physical activity of older users, and usability, satisfaction and acceptance of the solution. The data collection is a mix of investigator site data entry and users’ self-reported data through the solutions or through online and paper-based means. Data were collected at baseline and after a follow-up of 6 weeks. Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD) unless otherwise stated. Within the group, baseline to end of observation differences were assessed by paired sample t-test. A p = 0.05 was considered significant.ResultsNo significant improvements in quality of life and physical activity were found. Little improvement, although not significant, in physical activity was found, comparing the Total MET average value of users who participated in phase I and II, therefore using SmartAL and Rehability. Little improvement, although not significant, in physical activity applies in ≥76 population. Users’ feedback on usability, satisfaction and acceptance of VR2Care is generally positive. VR2Care was appreciated mostly for its usefulness in managing physical activity and the capacity to influence the consistency of attending physical activity sessions as prescribed by doctors.ConclusionOur results suggest that randomized controlled trial will be needed to assess correlations between specific features of the solution and health outcomes.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1584406/fullphysical activityvirtual realityolder adultsgamingdigital healthtelemonitoring |
| spellingShingle | Vincenzo De Luca Malak Qbilat Alessandra Cuomo Antonio Bianco Francesca Cesaroni Chiara Lanari Ad van Berlo Telma Mota Lucia Pannese Michael Brandstötter Matthieu Arendse Vania Mota Willeke van Staalduinen Hugo Paredes Guido Iaccarino Guido Iaccarino Maddalena Illario Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory study Frontiers in Public Health physical activity virtual reality older adults gaming digital health telemonitoring |
| title | Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory study |
| title_full | Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory study |
| title_fullStr | Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory study |
| title_full_unstemmed | Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory study |
| title_short | Virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults: outcomes from VR2Care project exploratory study |
| title_sort | virtual reality solution to promote adapted physical activity in older adults outcomes from vr2care project exploratory study |
| topic | physical activity virtual reality older adults gaming digital health telemonitoring |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1584406/full |
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